This year I wanted to not only purchase new toys my children wanted for Christmas, but also make something for them. A toy/activity based on their current interests and would allow them to use their wonderful imagination. My children are four years appart and sometimes getting them to play together can be difficult. The idea behind this gift was mainly to allow them to enjoy their personal interest together.

I created 2 kits: a spy kit for my youngest and a scientist kit for my eldest. I made them using recycled items purchased from the local second hand stores, used items (items we had around the house that could be repurposed) and a few new items.

Here is the Spy Kit

SPY BRIEFCASE : I found this crayola case at my local second hand store. I then found a couple of cool clipart image during a google image search and added it to the front of the case using washi tape. Main image was found here: http://laoblogger.com.

CASE FILES

I found two fantastic templates for police case files and for fingerprint sheets (French version), printed them off a few times and added them to file folders. I also used google image searches for basic Top Secret, spy and fingerprint clipart, which I printed and glued to the file folders and envelopes.

I cut envelopes to the right size and glued them to the interior of some of the files. One holds passport and visas to allow her to pretend she is from different countries. I found different passport templates on the web, I then added my daughter's photograph and personal information into each of the templates. I printed each template, cut to size and then laminated them.

Another file and envelope holds decoders (second version) which I also found while doing random searches on the web via google or Pinterest. I printed them, cut them according to the instructions, laminated them for durability and then assembled them.

I created Spy ID badges using templates on the web. French version found here. Pasted my daughter's photo, added the required information, printed and laminated. Slipped them in old ID holders I had lying around the house.

I found this amazing iPad case with integrated keyboard at my local second hand store for a couple of dollars. I then found images of iPad main screens and fictional spy computer screens, printed them and laminated them. This will allow my daughter to change the screen of her spy computer by switching laminated images.

I also reused this old Car DVD/TV case which was lying around our basement, as a spy gear carrying case. I found most of the gear at my local second store, as these toys are from the 2006 and the 2014 McDonald spy promotion.

I also added repurposed item from around our house such as a calculator, and old lock and key, a small container for fingerprinting, a make up brush to dust on the powder and ink for fingerprint taking.

Finally I added a few extra items that either had a round the house or purchased at my local second hand store. I added a flash light, pens, note pad for note taking, binoculars, blank envelopes, stickers, a few masks, black gloves and tweezers.